Quartet Review Summary

An excellent retro-style RPG with outstanding writing, characters, and soundtrack, though underdeveloped side quests, low difficulty, and an unsatisfying plot resolution hold it back.

Excellent retro-style RPG: The game is celebrated as a high-quality retro-style RPG that blends classic elements with modern quality-of-life improvements. It evokes nostalgia for 16-bit era JRPGs while offering a polished experience.

Writing and characters praised: The writing and character development receive high marks for being engaging, well-thought-out, and believable. Characters are described as real, distinct, and avoiding clichés.

Soundtrack is outstanding: Players consistently praise the soundtrack as a standout feature, describing it as memorable, moving, and fitting the game's tone. The music enhances the overall experience and is often cited as the best part of the game.

Turn-based combat is fun: The turn-based combat system is praised for being fun, interesting, and a modern take on classic mechanics. It offers depth without being overly complex, and players enjoy the strategic elements.

Story is engaging: The story is consistently described as interesting, well-paced, and enjoyable from start to finish. Players appreciate the narrative flow and the twists that keep them invested.

Character side quests underdeveloped: Character-specific side quests were often short, rushed, or lacked meaningful connection to character backgrounds. Some quests were hidden behind vague hints, and certain characters received less narrative focus than others.

Difficulty too low overall: Players consistently found the game too easy, even on hard mode, with combat rarely posing a challenge. The difficulty tapers off as the game progresses, making it less engaging for experienced players.

Unsatisfying plot resolution: Many reviewers felt that numerous plot threads were left unresolved or concluded anticlimactically. The abundance of subplots made it difficult to deliver a satisfying ending, leaving the story feeling rushed and incomplete.

Exploration is on rails: A significant portion of the game is linear, with exploration being largely scripted or limited until the endgame. The game often feels like it is on rails, reducing the sense of freedom and discovery.

Game length too short: Reviewers frequently noted that the game was shorter than expected, with many completing everything within 20 hours. This left players wanting more content, especially compared to other games in the genre.

Classic JRPG style: The game is described as a classic, old-school JRPG with SNES-era aesthetics and mechanics. It is often compared to classic Final Fantasy titles.

Free party swapping in battle: Players can freely swap party members in and out of combat without penalties or turn costs. This system encourages mixing and matching team compositions.

Turn-based combat system: The game uses a classic turn-based combat system, allowing players to take their time with each turn. This is a core gameplay mechanic.

Eight playable characters: The game features a cast of 8 playable characters, each with their own stories and skills. Players are encouraged to swap between them frequently.

No random encounters: Enemies are visible on the field and battles are initiated by the player, eliminating random encounters. This allows players to avoid fights if they choose.

Steam Deck performance praised: Multiple reviews highlight that the game runs flawlessly on Steam Deck, with no issues reported. This indicates strong optimization for handheld play.

Responsive menus and sync: Users note snappy menus and perfect synchronization between Steam Deck and desktop, enhancing cross-platform experience.

Minor bugs with workarounds: One review mentions small bugs that have workarounds, suggesting occasional glitches but not game-breaking issues.

ROG Ally compatibility mentioned: A single review confirms the game runs on ROG Ally Z1 Extreme, indicating broader handheld support.

Highly recommended for JRPG fans: Many reviewers strongly recommend this game to fans of JRPGs, especially those who enjoy SNES-era classics. The praise is consistent and enthusiastic across multiple clusters.

Appeals to retro RPG enthusiasts: Players who grew up with SNES and PS1 RPGs will find this game particularly appealing. It evokes nostalgia for classic titles like Final Fantasy VI and Chrono Trigger.

Great for turn-based RPG lovers: The game is frequently recommended to players who enjoy turn-based combat and classic RPG mechanics. Reviewers highlight its appeal to fans of the genre.

Strong narrative and character focus: Reviewers praise the game's story and character development, making it a good choice for those who prefer narrative-driven RPGs. The well-rounded storyline is a key selling point.

Worth the price: Several reviewers state the game is worth its full price, while others suggest it's a good value on sale. Overall, the game is considered a worthwhile purchase.

Community fair range: $15.00 - $20.00.

Game completion: 25.0h.

Story completion: 20.0h.

Session length: 2.5h.

Endgame: 7.0h.

The game starts with a slow, linear prologue that many find boring, but it becomes significantly more fun once the story opens up and all characters are available, typically in the mid-to-late game.

Friction: Very linear and boring beginning; Tedious first chapters with lack of resources; Boring quests around town in early chapters; Slow start before the prologue ends; Extreme linearity for 10+ hours for some players.

Retro JRPG Purist: Explores thoroughly, uses all party members, appreciates the lack of random encounters and the strategic combat. Motivation: Nostalgia for classic SNES-era JRPGs and appreciation for modern quality-of-life improvements. Stance: buy.

Time-Conscious Player: Plays in short sessions, uses casual difficulty, appreciates the chapter structure and moderate length. Motivation: Enjoying a quality JRPG that respects limited playtime and avoids excessive grinding. Stance: buy.

Completionist Achievement Hunter: Uses guides, reads all dialogues, does all side quests, and meticulously tracks progress. Motivation: Achieving 100% completion and unlocking all achievements. Stance: buy.

Steam Deck: All user feedback indicates a seamless Steam Deck experience. The game runs flawlessly, is officially verified, and offers comfortable controls with no reported technical barriers such as launchers, small text, or crashes.

Linux and Proton: All Linux/Proton-relevant feedback is positive. Users report the game runs flawlessly on Steam Deck and desktop PC, with zero issues and seamless cross-system sync. No Linux-specific crashes, tweaks, or compatibility blockers were mentioned.

Comparisons to Final Fantasy VI: Many reviewers compare the game to Final Fantasy VI, citing its nostalgic vibe, authenticity, and overall JRPG feel. This comparison appears frequently and is often tied to praise for the game's classic style.

Game length around 20-30 hours: Many reviewers report that the game takes about 20 to 30 hours to complete, with some noting it is shorter than typical JRPGs. This length is generally seen as appropriate or even a positive.

Comparisons to Chrono Trigger: Reviewers often mention Chrono Trigger as a similar game, highlighting the game's classic JRPG feel and nostalgic appeal. This comparison appears alongside other SNES-era classics.

Comparisons to Octopath Traveler: The game is frequently compared to Octopath Traveler, with some reviewers saying it improves on that game's structure by weaving stories together meaningfully. Others note similarities in combat and formula.

Comparisons to Live A Live: The game is compared to Live A Live, especially in terms of structure and homage. Reviewers note similarities in how the game handles multiple character stories.